[UNITED STATES]
[3 DAYS PROIR]
"What is the situation…status report." Adam White said with confidence as he walked into the conference room filled with all the top advisors and analysts.
Immediately all the chatter and talking stopped. Every person in the room straightened up and turned their attention immediately to Adam White.
After the Second Cataclysm (when the Itarim attacked 3 years ago), the world was forever changed. As a direct result of that crisis, all the Hunters Associations from across the globe agreed on creating the International Hunters Association ("IHA") with Adam White as the President.
The IHA was represented by members of all the major countries…its main purpose was to handle threats too large or too dangerous for any one nation to handle alone. One of the first measures adopted by the IHA was the regulation of all S-rank gates.
S-rank gates were inherently very dangerous and could potentially cause tremendous damage and loss of human life if not handled correctly. In addition, S-rank gates could be an Apostle of Itarim attack…it was for that reason that all S-rank gates were handled by the IHA.
In the event of an S-rank gate, the IHA would assemble a strike team of highly skilled S-rank hunters. Based on intel gather from Ahjin Soft, some missions required the deployment of Nation Level Hunters. These missions were also coordinated and handled by the IHA.
A-rank and lower gates were left to the discretion of each respective country's Hunter Association to handle. The IHA rarely got involved with those.
"An S-rank dungeon has appeared in North Korea…and it's a big one." Replied Jinchul Woo, Vice-President of the IHA.
When the IHA was originally created, the unanimous choice for President of this powerful organization was Jinchul. However, he declined the offer opting instead to serve in South Korea as Chief of Surveillance.
A great number of politicians and world leaders talked privately to Jinchul imploring him to reconsider his decision…not only was he a valued and respected figure in South Korea, but he was also well known and deeply admired by the international community as well. In addition, he was a close friend to Jinwoo Sung and had a good relationship with the rest of the Sung family.
"If we truly want the IHA to work…it needs to have teeth! It needs to have muscle behind it…What kind of message will we be sending if South Korea is not adequately represented? We need someone to lead the IHA who has a close connection to the Sung family…after all they are basically earth's royalty…" Politicians said repeatedly to Jinchul in private discussions.
So, it was with great reluctance and some resistance that Jinchul Woo accepted the role of Vice-President of the newly created IHA.
The international community was relieved…the newly created IHA now had two very competent and influential leaders at the helm…Adam White as President and Jinchul Woo as Vice-President.
Sitting down at the head of the table, Adam White surveyed the room for a moment…then said, "what else do we know about the gate?"
"According to estimates provided by Ahjin Soft…we think the gate is an Apostle-level threat," said an analyst with a somber tone.
"We need hunter Sung now!" shouted an annoyed advisor.
That comment created a ripple of murmurs that filled the room.
The resulting chatter was cut off by Jinchul Woo, "Unfortunately that is not an option. Hunter Jinwoo Sung is currently away…he is at the Void. You might recall that last week we received intel on a possible incursion into our universe. Hunter Sung is currently handling defense…"
Another voice interrupt Jinchul's explanation, "what about hunter Suho Sung?"
Jinchul took a deep breath, looked at the room and said with a firm voice, "No, that is not an option either. He is currently busy overseeing the Ruler Transition ceremony…he won't be back for another month or so."
The room grew silent. Every person there was painfully familiar with the topic and knew what the "Ruler Transition ceremony" meant.
After the Second Cataclysm, there was growing anxiety among politicians regarding the shift in the balance of power among nations. Although deeply thankful to the Sung family for their immense contribution…many felt fearful that South Korea had too much power.
The United States had Thomas Andre, who managed to ascend to Monarch of Conquest and King of Giants. China had Liu Zhigang, a Nation Level hunter…but not at the same level as Thomas Andre or the Sung family…many politicians worried there was not enough "balance".
A solution to the perceived problem came about three months ago…during a friendly dinner at Jinwoo Sung's house. On that night, Jinchul arrived for dinner as a special invited guest. Jinwoo immediately noticed the increased stress and tension emanating from his best friend.
After dinner, the two step outside for a walk to enjoy the cool night breeze. Jinchul confided the source of his troubles…endless meetings and discussions with world leaders and politicians over the same worry.
Jinwoo remained silent for a moment, smiled and said, "I think I have an idea…let me talk it over with Suho first and I will let you know what he says…I think I know a way around this mess."
A day later, Jinwoo stopped by Jinchul's office (more like teleported using his shadows) with a bold proposal…Liu Zhigang would ascend to Ruler!
Jinwoo explained that during the Outer Gods War, one of the Rulers was unfortunately killed in action. Their "primordial light" had returned to the World Tree awaiting a worthy successor (much like the primordial darkness of the dead Monarchs). After the Second Cataclysm, hunter Liu Zhigang (like many other hunters) continued to push the limits of their strength and power thanks to the Tower of Tribulations (along with Ragnarök system developed by Ahjin Soft).
Liu Zhigang's power had grown to the point where he was a qualified candidate for inheriting the "primordial light" left behind by the dead Ruler. This opportunity would bring many benefits and "balance".
Currently, three humans occupied the position of Monarch…it was only fair a human would assume a position of Ruler. In addition, China would benefit for a tremendous boost in power…thus alleviating some of the politician's concerns regarding power "balance."
Jinchul Woo presented the proposal to the IHA…what followed was nothing short of a 3-month Tylenol experience. For three long months, countless meetings, discussions, panels, etc. were conducted. The proposal seemed to have ignited ambitions and envy alike.
Jinchul Woo and Adam White navigated the political storm faithfully…sometimes using concessions…other times threats…until the debate was settled. By unanimous consent, hunter Liu Zhigang was unanimously accepted as earth's candidate to inherit the power of a Ruler.
Hunter Suho Sung explained that the process for inheriting the power of a Ruler was very different from that of a Monarch. The Ruler Transition ceremony involved no fighting…instead it required a month-long heart/body/mind/and soul synchronization. As a result, both hunters Liu Zhigang and Suho Sung would be unavailable for a month.